The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since July 2023, a move expected to push up mortgage, personal, and business loan costs in Panama’s dollarized economy within three to six months. Savers may benefit from higher deposit yields, but borrowers are urged to manage debt carefully.
The Panama Canal Authority presented its 2027 budget projecting $5,555 million in revenues and $3,937 million in total contributions to the state, alongside a 75% tonnage fee increase. The plan anticipates 10,750 vessel transits despite challenging water conditions.
Panama’s draft 2027 budget proposes zero dollars for electricity at the Gorgas Institute and cuts its operating funds by $5.8 million, prompting lawmakers to demand justification and the MEF to pledge a reevaluation.
A La Prensa opinion column is fueling debate over Panama’s public party financing system, asking whether parties should keep receiving state funds when their leaders are implicated in proven corruption, and what role the Comptroller General should play in enforcing accountability.
Panama’s cruise ports received 243,075 passengers in the first half of 2026, a 21.6% year-on-year increase, with Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas the latest ship to call at Colón.
A Colón court sentenced two former Miguel de la Borda communal board officials to eight years in prison for embezzling $29,505 during 2009-2014, amid a broader probe into more than $247 million in diverted funds.
Panama’s new Internship Law creates a certified framework for young people to gain work experience while requiring companies to register interns through a new Mitradel platform. With youth unemployment at 19.9%, the law aims to bridge the experience gap.
The Orquesta Filarmónica de Panamá honored the late salsa legend Willie Colón with two symphonic tribute concerts at Teatro Balboa, with proceeds supporting earthquake-affected communities in Venezuela and Colombia.
A new edition of Joaquín Beleño’s 1963 novel Curundú prompts a rereading of the Panamanian classic as universal literature, beyond its long-standing framing within anti-imperialist narratives about the Canal Zone.
Ifarhu has clarified which purchases are allowed and which will be declined on PASE-U cards, as it investigates merchant fraud and prepares an October payment for qualifying families.
The Mayor’s Office of Panama has launched a $533,000 tender for Christmas 2026 activities, including the tree lighting and parade logistics, bringing total planned holiday spending to more than $3.8 million. The bill includes 9,000 meal coupons, 200 portable toilets, golf carts, and private security.
Heavy rains in Bocas del Toro and Chiriquí are fueling a black sigatoka outbreak in Panama’s banana and plantain crops, prompting Mida to announce drainage and fumigation support for growers. Producers warn of possible plantain shortages and price pressure.
Panama Oeste rallied from a 5-1 deficit with a six-run sixth inning to defeat Los Santos 7-5 and claim the U10 National Baseball Championship at the Mariano Rivera Baseball Academy. The title also avenged an earlier 1-0 loss to Los Santos in the tournament.
Fraud complaints in Panama rose 14% in early 2026 as cybercriminals exploit stolen phones to drain bank accounts. The Superintendencia de Bancos outlines three critical steps victims must take within minutes of a theft.
Arabe Unido hammered Union Cocle 4-1 to reach 15 points in the LPF Apertura 2026, with coach Sergio Guzmán praising his side’s attacking growth and league-best defense.
The Panamanian Football Federation has renewed Thomas Christiansen as head coach, backing the decision with strong results and a new unified methodology structure led by Pedro Morilla. The federation aims for a generational transition without sacrificing competitive performance.
A La Prensa column argues the PRD is in its death throes after Gaby Carrizo’s historic 2024 defeat, with leader Benicio Robinson refusing to resign and a possible split looming if Martín Torrijos founds his own party.
Panama’s National Assembly is debating two rival electricity reform bills that would modernize a nearly 30-year-old regulatory framework, boosting consumer protections, penalties for distributors, and market opening ahead of the 2028 concession expirations.
The town of Ocú gave a historic farewell to accordion legend Yin Carrizo, with Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa calling on Panama to ensure its great artists have disciples, not just admirers. His ashes were laid to rest after a Mass and a tribute by five prize-winning folk accordionists.
CAF has granted Panama’s Banco Nacional a record $500 million loan to support 3,300 SMEs, women-led businesses, and agriculture hit by El Niño-driven drought. The funds will also back green energy projects as the country faces rainfall drops of up to 55 percent.